The Effect of Eight Weeks Plyometric Training on Kinematical Parameters, Agility, Linear Jump and BMI of Elite Parkour Athletes

Background and aim: Having high correlation with the explosive power of the lower body, the muscular strength of the athletes and production of high power levels in the shortest time (power) and high level of agility, is essential to achieve optimal performance in Parkour. It seems that using polymetric trainings can make it possible to achieve the highest performance. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of eight weeks of plyometric training on kinematical parameters, BMI, agility and liner jump strength in parkour athletes aged 19 to 26 years. Materials and Methods: In this semi experimental study, with pre-test and post-test design, 20 Parkour elite athletes were selected in the age group of 19 to 26 years and were randomly divided into two groups of 10 persons, including: 1- Experimental group 2- Control group. The experimental group's training program Carried out for eight weeks, three sessions a week, for one hour. Before and after eight weeks of exercises, measurements of kinematical parameters of knee, the Illinois tests, and the liner jump strength and body Mass index (BMI) analysis were done of subjects. The research data were analyzed using t-test at a significant level (p≤0/05). Results: The results of statistical analysis of each group showed that performing plyometric trainings for eight weeks had a significant relationship with kinematical parameters of the knee (p=0/003). Also the strength of linear jump, agility and body fat percentage of parkour athletes improved (p≤0/05). Conclusion: The findings of this study showed that there is a significant relationship between plyometric trainings and kinematical parameters of the knee and may increase the strength of jumping and agility and decrease body fat percentage in parkour athletes but since the basis of parkour sport is very similar to plyometric trainings more research is needed.